| Title: |
Understanding (in) Formal Health and Wellbeing Networks within Higher Education: A Mixed-Method Social Network Perspective |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Nils Swindell; Jennifer Thomas (ORCID 0000-0003-2276-4805); Jeremy Tree; Denise Hill; Joanne Hudson; Gareth Stratton |
| Source: |
Higher Education: The International Journal of Higher Education Research. 2024 88(3):1037-1058. |
| Availability: |
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
22 |
| Publication Date: |
2024 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
College Students; College Faculty; Well Being; Mental Health; School Activities; Interpersonal Relationship; Attitudes; Social Networks; Educational Policy; Institutional Role |
| DOI: |
10.1007/s10734-023-01158-x |
| ISSN: |
0018-1560; 1573-174X |
| Abstract: |
In response to increasing concerns about the mental health and wellbeing of university students and staff, policy aims have shifted towards a 'whole-university approach' to mental health and wellbeing. This policy advocates for a culture wherein mental health and wellbeing are a key priority across all levels (individual, societal, environmental). Thereby, responsibility for mental health and wellbeing is distributed across the institution, requiring contributions from staff irrespective of whether mental health and wellbeing are central to their role. Consequently, boundaries of responsibility and expertise can be unclear, while individual and professional capacity and opportunity influence the consistency of support. Effective governance of the whole-university approach requires an understanding of the complex network of 'actors' in the wellbeing system to cohesively deliver strategic objectives. This mixed-methods case study of one Higher Education Institution (HEI) employed social network analysis (SNA) to identify network structures and connections between staff who promote mental health and wellbeing. Qualitative follow-up explored factors associated with network prominence, cohesion between the informal network and formal structures, and overall perceptions of the network. An informal network of 211 actors in the wellbeing system was identified, revealing disparities with formal governance structures. Prominence in the network was attributed to both extrinsic (e.g. workplace culture and leadership) and intrinsic (e.g. social rewards) factors, and was perceived to provide value by increasing cohesive and collaborative working. However, findings also indicate the need to raise awareness of the network and improve capacity for network membership and engagement. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2024 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1437090 |
| Database: |
ERIC |